Overview

The goal of this course is to improve the ability of physicians in primary care, neurology, and psychiatry to recognize clinical features of common and uncommon movement disorders, use testing to aid diagnosis, and manage complications of both disease and treatment. The evaluation and management of movement disorders depends upon targeted historical assessment and physical examination of the patient. Conditions such as essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease are common and can produce significant disability and disease burden on patients and their caregivers. Though Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor are two well-known disorders commonly encountered by the general practitioner and neurologist, a considerable percentage of cases are misdiagnosed.

In addition, other highly treatable disorders such as drug-induced movement disorders, dystonia, and tics can be difficult to recognize which can pose an obstacle to initiating proper treatment. Finally, there have been considerable advances in our understanding of certain complex movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. We will also focus attention on non-motor aspects of Parkinson's disease which are increasingly being recognized as important determinants of quality of life. The course will cover current concepts on pathophysiology of the various movement disorders, evidence-based evaluation and treatment recommendations, clinical practice guidelines as well as experience-based recommendations. Finally, the course will culminate with interactive discussion of video-based case examples of movement disorders.